“It’s been a great competition and very even,” he said.

McLean said the SGL standard has improved immensely over the past five or six years.

“Mark Fuller has had an exceptional year, but I’ve also been impressed with those who polled well in the Madigan Medal Count,” he said.

Crowd attendance has been up this year according to McLean with record numbers attending some games.

“Our percentage of attendance has

risden considerably,” McLean said.

“The standard of football makes a difference, but I think it also has to do with people not being happy with telecast times for the AFL, so they are backing local football more, which is good.”

With such a competitive season, McLean is hesitant to pick a winner in Saturday’s grand final.

“It could go either way,” he said.

“Centrals have a good balance and Port seem physically and mentally strong, so I think it’s going to be a close game.”

He said that the home ground will not be an advantage to Port.

“Port Augusta teams have always played well in Pirie so I don’t think that will be a factor,” McLean said.